Embracing Change

Comprehensive New Rules

GRNSW has implemented a series of comprehensive new rules to ensure the responsible breeding of greyhounds.

The rule changes were introduced on July 1 as part of GRNSW’s ongoing and robust reform process in response to the live baiting scandal.

Under the new rules, there has been a 47% reduction in the number of greyhounds whelped between 1 July and 1 November compared with the same period last year. The total number of greyhounds whelped is down from 2,168 to 1,153.

Changes to the Rules for breeders state that:

All dams in NSW are to be registered with GRNSW as a breeding female;

Persons must seek approval from GRNSW to breed dams over the age of eight and obtain veterinary certification of appropriate health for that dam;

Persons must seek approval from GRNSW to breed a fourth litter or more and obtain veterinary certification of appropriate health for that dam;

Limitations to frequency of litters for an individual dam to two litters in any 18-month period; and

New compulsory vaccination rules that require puppies with a C3 vaccination at 6-8 weeks of age, and a C5 vaccination at 10-16 weeks of age.

Prior to receiving a breeder’s licence, applicants will have their breeding premises inspected by GRNSW Compliance officers in accordance with the new Code of Practice for Breeding, Rearing and Education.

The code specifies the minimum standards of accommodation, management and care to uphold the welfare of all greyhounds located at breeding establishments. These minimum standards cover a range of areas including health and veterinary care, nutrition and greyhound housing size.
Applicants will also be required to successfully complete the Breeder’s Education Pack prior to a breeder’s licence being issued. The Breeder’s Education Pack is an introductory guide to breeding and covers key areas such as ‘Getting Started’, ‘The Pregnancy’, ‘Whelping the Litter’ and ‘Raising the Litter’.

GRNSW is confident that a number of welfare benefits will be achieved by these changes, including ensuring the health and fitness of the dam.

The other benefits will include ensuring all litters of pups have the best chance of receiving adequate nutrition during the pregnancy and suckling stages and reducing the number of pups born that have limited chance of ever racing.

The changes will bring the NSW industry in line with other breeding Codes of Practices and Codes of Ethics.

GRNSW is confident the new breeding rules will help further boost the integrity and viability of the sport while ensuring animal welfare remains the top priority.